KAMPALA. Police have accused supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) of attacking security officers on duty with stones during presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi’s campaign rallies in Kawempe North and South.
During the scuffle , Police claim several police vehicles were also vandalized .
In a statement issued on Monday evening, the Uganda Police Force said the alleged attacks occurred at both the NUP headquarters in Makerere-Kavule and later at Bwaise Roundabout as crowds gathered to escort Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, to his rallies in Kawempe.
According to police, seven security officers sustained serious injuries after being hit with stones, while several vehicles, including an ambulance, were damaged by what authorities described as “rowdy crowds.”
“Security officers were attacked with stones, an act of violence that was repeated at Bwaise Roundabout and the campaign venue,” the statement seen by Newzzone Publication Ltd reads in part.
The police said they had earlier held a meeting with NUP’s organising team and the Electoral Commission to agree on campaign routes and venues.
Authorities now claim the agreed procedures were violated when processions began forming near the NUP offices in Kalerwe, forcing security personnel to intervene.
Police fired teargas at several points to disperse crowds both before and after the two rallies. Even when supporters converged at Growers Play Ground – the venue , police continued to fire teargas to the crowd .
Military personnel were also deployed around the NUP headquarters to prevent what security agencies termed as “unauthorised processions.”
Seven suspects have since been arrested in connection with the alleged attacks.
“Security personnel responded by using public order measures to control the rowdy crowds. Seven suspects have been arrested,” the statement added.
The force condemned what it described as acts of hooliganism and warned that individuals involved in violence would face firm action.
“We strongly condemn the hooliganism displayed today and stress that such behaviour is unacceptable. It will be met with firm action,” police said.
Earlier, Bobi Wine accused security officers of provoking and intimidating his supporters, claiming that heavy deployments and confrontations were aimed at disrupting his campaign trail in the area .